Thursday, September 11, 2014

Yes, the evil ones did come, the bulldozers and the trucks. No longer was Swain Woods

full of bird songs, bunnies that cuddle, and fairies living there. They call it progress, it is said; but sadly what is called progress for some is devastation for others. Most humans living nearby didn't know there were fairies in the woods. They thought their dreams were big enough to destroy the trees and ferns, uprooting the unseen little people living there. Their hearts were sheltered and they couldn't see, they couldn't hear the sweetness of the music.

The fairies knew it was time to leave, to find a new home. They must travel far. There was a gathering one last time with their forest friends as they said a fond farewell. They packed their bags and invited Scamp to travel with them. There were new places to explore and soon they would leave Swain Woods. Oh yes, they would be sad to leave. The music would be silent, it would leave with them.

The eagle came swooping in and soon they were aboard. He would carry them deep into a newly discovered woods where again they would dance, sing, and scamper with delight. Tea parties would abound with sweet nectar's of violets and pine needles in their cups. If only I knew where they lived, I would once again join them to savor the music and watch with enchantment.

Today there are houses built in Swain Woods. I wonder if they ever find a fairy wing or hear the music?
Though my story of memories of Swain Woods are done, I will never forget dreaming and dancing there.

Friday, September 5, 2014

It was an honor recently to be served usucha (thin matcha tea and a sweet) by my friend, Stephanie.
The ritual of the ceremony intrigues me and I am so proud of my friends that are learning this ceremony.
For me, I don't have the patience to do each step just exactly so.
From the flower on the wall, the lovely gelatin with bean paste sweet, to the beautiful bowls
the tea was served in, it was a treat.
No pictures were taken in the tearoom during the ceremony,
but after I snapped this and just thought each tool was beautiful.
Never having been served tea at a Japanese Tea Ceremony I found watching a video helped me
understand what was ahead on that particular day.
If you are curious to learn more, here is the link to the video.
Stephanie's blog is also a fun place to learn more about the way of tea.

About Me

Many things bring great delight to me: tea, gardens, flowers, outdoors, food, and friends that cross my path. These all make my heart sing with small chuckles, giggles, laughter, and tears. It is my desire to seek beauty all around me, have the heart of a wanderer, a storyteller.

Asso. of Tea Bloggers

PNW Bloggers

Books Read

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa DiffenbaughA Fine Romance by Susan BranchTea Shop Mysteries by Laura ChildsLost Lake by Sarah Addison AllanThe House at Riverton by Kate MortonThe Secret Keeper by Kate MortonWithout Reservations by Alice SteinbachA Week in Winter by Marcia WillettEight Girls Taking Pictures by Whitney OttoTarnished Beauty by Cecilia SamartinThe Time in Between by Maria DuenasThe Orchid House by Lucinda RileyThe Lavender Garden by Lucinda RileyBroken Paradise by Cecilia SamartinKindred Spirits by Sarah StrohmeyerA Place at the Table by Susan Rebecca White

Pray for Cancer Cure

Dear God,I pray for the cure of cancer.AmenIn memory of dear friends:Adrienne and Linda